Contact:
Jason Merrill
314-286-0302
[email protected]

ST. LOUIS – February is American Heart Month and doctors are spreading the word about lowering the risk of heart disease.

Anita Bhandiwad, MD, former cardiologist at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center, says awareness is important.

“Heart disease is America’s leading cause of death and major disability. If you look at coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease in women, more people die from those causes than all other causes combined,” says Dr. Bhandiwad, who will talk more about this at the upcoming event "Heart Health and High Style,” February 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Clayton Hotel, 7750 Carondolet Avenue. The complimentary event will feature blood pressure screenings and "ask the expert" booths on nutrition and fitness.

With heart disease prevention such a part of the event, member of our Heart & Vascular Center have a “Top 10” list of ten tips to prevent heart disease:

1. Maintain a proper diet:

2. Exercise for 150 minutes each week.

3. Manage your weight (normal body mass index is 18.5 - 24.9).

4. Manage your blood pressure (less than 120 - 130 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 - 85 mm Hg diastolic).

5. Decrease your salt intake (less than 1.5 - 2 gms per day).

6. Control your cholesterol (total cholesterol less than 200).

7. If you smoke, stop smoking. If you don't smoke, don't start.

8. Reduce your blood sugar.

9. Avoid excessive alcohol intake (fewer than two drinks per day for a man, fewer than one drink per day for a woman).

10. Manage stress levels at work and at home.

For more information on cutting heart disease risk or to register for the "Heart Health and High Style” event click here or call 314-TOP-DOCS or 866-867-3627.